Restore Your Smile With A Natural Look And Feel
Dental fillings are a routine treatment we provide to repair teeth affected by cavities and decay. Treating a cavity early can help protect the tooth from further damage, discomfort, or infection that may require more extensive treatment later.
We use tooth-coloured composite resin to restore damaged teeth while keeping your smile looking natural. The material is carefully matched to your tooth shade and bonds securely to the tooth. Because composite resin can be used in smaller areas, less healthy tooth structure may need to be removed during treatment.
Why Are Dental Fillings Important?
Getting a filling may not be at the top of your to-do list, especially when a cavity is not causing any discomfort. However, waiting to treat tooth decay can allow it to progress and create bigger problems. Addressing a cavity early can help protect your oral health and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
Here are some of the key benefits of treating cavities with fillings:
- Prevent decay from spreading: A filling stops a cavity from getting larger and affecting more of your tooth.
- Lower the risk of infection: Treating decay early can help prevent painful infections and abscesses.
- Protect your tooth: Cavities can weaken the tooth structure, while a filling helps restore its strength and function.
- Avoid more costly treatment: Early treatment may help you avoid more extensive procedures in the future.
- Ease tooth sensitivity: Filling a cavity can help reduce sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Keep your natural teeth: Prompt treatment helps preserve your natural tooth and maintain your smile for years to come.
What Happens During A Cavity Filling?
Getting a filling is usually a straightforward process, and we take steps to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. Here is what you can expect when having a tooth-coloured filling placed.
Comfortable Numbing
We begin by gently numbing the tooth and the surrounding area before treatment. If you feel nervous about freezing, let us know. We can take our time to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once the area is numb, you should feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Preparing And Restoring The Tooth
Once the tooth is comfortably numb, we remove the decayed portion and prepare the area for the filling. A bonding agent is applied to help the composite resin adhere securely. The tooth-coloured material is then carefully placed and shaped to restore the tooth’s natural appearance and function.
Hardening And Polishing
After the composite resin has been shaped, a special LED light is used to harden it in place. We then check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the restored tooth feels comfortable. Finally, the filling is polished to leave you with a smooth, natural-looking finish.
The Cost Of Dental Fillings In Calgary
Dental fillings are a common and effective way to treat cavities before they develop into more complicated dental concerns. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for fillings, which can help make treatment more affordable. Depending on your coverage, you may have little or no out-of-pocket cost, while others may pay a portion of the treatment.
For patients without dental insurance, the cost of a filling can vary based on the tooth and the extent of the decay. Multiple fillings or more involved treatment may also increase the overall cost.
What Determines The Cost Of A Filling?
Every patient and cavity is different, so we consider several factors when preparing an estimate for your treatment:
- Your overall oral health: Existing dental concerns may affect the treatment you need.
- The number of fillings: Treating several cavities will naturally affect the total cost.
- The location of the cavity: Some areas of the mouth are more complex to treat than others.
- X-rays or diagnostic images: New images may be recommended to assess the tooth properly.
- Treatment time: The length of your appointment depends on the number and size of the cavities being treated.
- Materials and equipment: The supplies and materials required for your specific treatment are also considered.
Treating a cavity early can help prevent decay from progressing and may reduce the need for more extensive procedures down the road. If you have a cavity or have noticed tooth sensitivity, we encourage you to have it assessed as soon as possible.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups, tooth-coloured fillings can often last for many years. In many cases, a well-maintained filling can remain effective for 10 years or longer.
How long your filling lasts can depend on factors such as your brushing and flossing habits, the location and size of the filling, and everyday wear from chewing. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and recommend replacement or repair if signs of wear or damage develop.
Dental amalgam has been used for many years as a material for restoring teeth affected by cavities. Because of its silver appearance and the materials used to make it, these restorations are often called “silver” or “mercury” fillings.
There has been ongoing discussion about the safety of dental amalgam. According to the Canadian Dental Association, research has not established that dental amalgam causes illness in the general population. If you already have amalgam fillings that are healthy and functioning properly, there is generally no reason to be concerned simply because they are silver in colour.
If you have questions about an existing amalgam filling or are considering replacing one, we can assess your tooth and discuss the options that may be appropriate for your smile.
You may find temporary, over-the-counter dental repair products that are designed to cover a cavity or minor tooth damage until you can see a dentist. While these products may provide short-term protection or relief, they are not a permanent solution and should not replace professional dental treatment.
A cavity is an area of permanent tooth damage that needs to be properly assessed, cleaned and restored by a dental professional. Trying to create a homemade filling or leaving a cavity untreated can allow decay to continue spreading. Over time, this may lead to significant pain, infection, an abscess or even tooth loss.
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, contact our dental team as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can help protect your natural tooth and prevent a small cavity from becoming a much larger dental problem.
Cavity-related tooth pain should not be ignored, especially when it becomes severe or makes it difficult to eat or sleep. These symptoms may indicate a more serious dental problem. If you are experiencing significant discomfort, contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. You can also learn more about what to do during a dental emergency.
While you are waiting to see a dentist, a cold compress held against the outside of your cheek may provide temporary relief. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), may also help reduce discomfort when used as directed.
Always follow the instructions on the medication label and your doctor’s advice. Keep track of the medication you take, including the amount and time, and let our dental team know when you arrive. Remember that these steps only provide temporary relief. Treating the underlying cavity is the best way to prevent the pain from returning or becoming more serious.
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